The CV-1 was a commissioned simulator in 2015 by Conair of Canada ( http://conair.ca/ ) who specialize in aerial firefighting. They specifically needed to reproduce a Cessna Caravan cockpit for training pilots in what they call their “Bird Dog” aircraft. Conair uses the Cessna Caravan as a spotter aircraft whose purpose is to locate and assess forest fires, tag the location via GPS / Latitude and Longitude and then set up the best route of entry and exit for their larger water tanker aircraft.

Because this job is complex and fast paced and requires a great deal of aerial maneuvering, they needed a realistic simulator which could fulfill that job. After a thorough search on the web, it was only SimSamurai who could fulfill their needs, all at an affordable pricepoint.

And on that day, …the CV-1 Chariot was born.

Like all professionally made cockpits from SimSamurai we wanted to make sure the cockpit shell looked and felt as close to a real Cessna Caravan as possible so we took many interior and exterior measurements of the real aircraft and then applied that to our form follows function ideology to create something that both felt like the real aircraft but was also something that had many other functional attributes for a professional level training simulator. This included areas for checklists and crew training binders as well an instrument panel that uses both touchscreens and a central tactile radio stack with Garmin GPS.

The CV-1 is 72″ wide x 72″ deep x 65″ tall and was specifically designed to fit into a 12′ x 12′ room as shown in pictures for a fully panoramic projection screen. The roof was slightly raised to better accommodate ingress / egress and was done so that any standing instructor can see both the instrument panel easily, as well the projection screen. Therefore no view is ever impeded for any team member. Lastly, the CV-1 is made of high quality solid-core birch plywood and is fully skinned with ABS plastic. The side windows are the exact size and position of the real aircraft and are made of 1/4″ Lexan. All interior brackets and rails are made of 1/8″ thick aluminum and all bolts and screws, including all skin screws, are stainless steel for lasting rust-proof longevity.

We can now reproduce this model for any future customer as a BareBones kit or fully complete RTA kit. Because of the windows and curves of the front and roof we have no plans to offer this as a DIY home built kit but if you do have access to a CnC facility we are open to discuss kit licensing in the same way we have done with the CS-2 Pegasus cockpit. Build time is approximately five weeks or 200 man hours.

CV-1 CHARIOT FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Ergonomic
design based on a real Cessna Caravan cockpit with exacting dimensions to create a true to life scale.

A new “function follows form” design which helps to keep total material costs as low as possible (~$1000).

For potential DIY Builders – Must be cut via CnC Machining.

Has
ability to use two 24″ displays for instrument panel and 3 overhead projectors for main visuals.

Panel designed for central tactile radio stack with GPS.

Designed
to be put close to projection wall for space constraints (front of “nose” within 3 feet)

Can house an instrument panel from virtually any retailer.

Designed
for two pilots to train together.

Can install dual mechanical yokes.

Can install dual mechanical rudders.

Breaks
down into modular sections.

Easy
to relocate in home or office.

Totally immersive
sim environment.

Basic dimensions are 72″w x 72″l x65″h

Intended to be elevated 4″ off floor.

CV-1 PURCHASE OPTIONS

CV-1 DIY
Plans Set $80.00 USD

CV-1 Bare Bones
Kit *$2,750.00 USD

CV-1 Completed RTA Kit *$5,880.00 USD

VIDEOS COMING SOON ...RIGHT HERE!

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NOTE: The CV-1 Chariot was first built in January 2015 and released publicly September 1st 2015. We will be updating this page as well the entire website with more pictures and videos over the fall season.

COCKPIT PURCHASE OPTIONS :

CV-1 DIY Cockpit Blueprints Pack$ 80.00 USD

Not currently offered as a DIY package. If you have a very serious interest in this model and do have access to a CnC facility please email us to discuss your interest in the CV-1. Any future DIY package would contain the following:

All RTA kits are offered in three core options; a
BareBones Kit or RTA Complete Kit, or a ProLine kit complete with the computer and all necessary hardware for flight. You can learn more about our core options by visiting the DIY Flight Systems page and our ProLine Systems page.

CV-1 BareBones Kit – $ 2,750 USD

The
CV-1 BareBones kit consists of all the materials and hardware necessary for
full project completion. This includes the core controls box (CCB), the two side walls with Lexan windows, and the curved roof framework. Also included is white ABS plastic skin but for an upgrade fee of $1000 all skin can be made of aluminum sheeting.

All material is pre cut for you and
includes all the framework and all exterior skin panels for the walls, roof, and front. The CCB, roof, and wall frame members will be sanded
smooth so that they are ready for paint by you and the window frames are pre-routered to receive the Lexan window inserts.

All frame members are pre-drilled for you and any remaining holes will be less than 5% of the total. All the exterior skin is
pre-drilled as are all plywood decking support members. Some remaining miscellaneous members are simply marked for you to drill and
assemble.Again, final drilling for BareBones kit customers will be less than 5% of the total requirement.

The
CV-1 Ready To Assemble (RTA) kit will be a full painted unit which is ready for immediate assembly by the customer.All parts are professionally cut via CnC maching and all remaining framework items are pre-drilled and
pre-assembled for you prior to shipment.

The two main walls ship in a single large box, while the CCB (core control box) and roof framework ship in a second box. The main walls will have the windows installed and exterior skin pre-attached to greatly speed up the final assembly. Roof assembly is required but takes less than one hour once on site and the skin is already pre-drilled for you.

All wood parts are painted in our custom mixed oil based paint for lasting longevity and is colored in our standard “metallic charcoal”.The exterior skin is offered in a choice of white ABS plastic, or, for a $1000 upgrade fee all skin can be made in aluminum sheeting. All bolts and screws are stainless steel for rust-proof longevity.

For our additional Proline options please send us an email to receive more information as we prefer to tailor each cockpit to the customers exact needs and requirements.

In addition to a cockpit you can also purchase a fully customized aluminum
instrument panel overlay.We will custom
design the panel specifically to fit your personal equipment needs. The
instrument panel is 5mm (.125″) aircraft grade aluminum and is precision
cut on a CNC water jet system.For an
additional $200 the top of the panel will come complete with a
dash/glare-shield made of quality hard rubberized material which gives it a very realistic look and feel.The aluminum panel is a great way to make
your cockpit look even more professional!

**As
a bonus : For all BareBones or RTA kit customers we will reduce the cost
of the panel and dash option by 10% off.

BAREBONES and RTA KIT SHIPPING COSTS

Average
shipping cost in USA for the base model is $350 to
$450 depending on your location. Average shipping weight of full
RTA kit with all options and accessories is 450 lbs.The CV-1 will come in two large
boxes regardless of purchase of the BareBones kit or Completed RTA kit. Once in
hand you will need a small socket set and screw driver (power drill/driver recommended) to complete the final assembly which will typically take one to two hours.

Whether
you order a set of the DIY plans, or a BareBones kit or even a completed RTA
kit, we always offer free builder advice for all flight simulator cockpit
customers via email or phone (during 8am-6pm USA Pacific time).Please know that we are here to help if you
need advice or added assistance!